Ficus Trunk Chop Advice

Bonsai Barry

I'm considering doing a trunk chop to this ficus (species unknown). I plan to try to separate (and discard) the previously cut trunk. I'll clean up the roots and repot the larger trunk. I plan to use a "V" chop to promote a broom style. After repotting, I'll make a plastic tent around the trunk to increase humidity.

This is my first attempt at such an undertaking. Any suggestions or comments? Does this trunk look like it has any potential? All suggestions are appreciated!

Barry.

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Bonsai Barry

"Our talent lies in our choices."

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joakimlinden

I migth be wrong but I think trunk-chop will likely kill the tree if it's a ficus. I tried that same thing on a ficus last year. Luckily I left one small branch at the top, otherwise the tree would probably be dead now.
I managed to sprout a small shoot just above the roots by keeping the trunk very moist for a while, other than that there has been no other growth except for the branch I kept at the top.

Ficus seem to require that you keep at least something or the tree will die.

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Best regards, Joakim

Bart Thomas(deceased)

This seems to depend on the species. Yours appears to be one of the Benjaminas, for which Joakim's statement is more likely to be true.

In any case, even in California, I'd wait till a little later in the season before trying it.

For ficus info, visit Jerry Meislick's site . If you don't find the info you want, drop him a line, if he doesn't answer you here.

bonsai411

Perhaps try to cut the trunk back 2/3 or 1/4 while leaving some growth. Do this to encourage branching below the intended cut line, then next year, cut the rest depending if you were indeed able to get branching underneath that line.

joakimlinden

There is however a possibility to consider... I have got it in my head for some reason than ficus are easy to graft - this might also be wrong : ) You could graft a healty looking branch from the crown onto the stump after the cut. I don't know the exact procedure but I think it's just a matter of cleaning up the cuts with a super sharp, razor-like knife and try to match up the parts as good as you can. Then wrap with raffia or thread or something that can hold it firm together... Wait and hope for the best.

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Best regards, Joakim

Jerry Meislik

I agree with Bart that your tree is likely benjamina which is sometimes reluctant to break back after trunk chops.
I would suggest.
1. The tree must be healthy and growing.
2. Chop it during the middle of its best growth spurt.
3. Do not repot it at the same time as you chop. Wait until the tree is growing well after the chop. That may be 3-6 months!
4. Figure out how tall you wish the tree to be and make the chop 8 inches longer than the finished height of the tree.
This allows room for erratic sprouting.
5. Grafting may be needed depending on how irregular the regrowth.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Jerry

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Jerry Meislik
Whitefish Montana USA
Zone 4-5
http://www.bonsaihunk.us/

Bonsai Barry

Thanks for the reply, Jerry. I think trying a graft is exciting (I found some material you provided on your site). My newest question is: Would doing the trunk chop inhibt the graft in any way? Should I do them six months apart?

Thanks,
Barry

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Bonsai Barry

"Our talent lies in our choices."